Richard stepped firmly onto the small metal butter knife.
He kicked the tool hidden under the floral velvet skirt.
He glared down at his crying young nephew with anger.
Uncle Richard: You need to sit down and be quiet now.
Leo: You are hurting my mother by staying silent!
Uncle Richard: Your mother passed away quietly in her sleep, Leo.
Leo: Then why did the casket just move right now?
A quiet gasp went through the entire crowded room.
The guests began whispering to each other in low tones.
Richard stepped closer to Leo and gripped his collar firmly.
He pulled the boy up toward the front row bench.
Uncle Richard: Do not speak another ridiculous word during this ceremony.
Leo: You put her in there before she was ready!
Uncle Richard: That is an absurd accusation from a hysterical kid!
Richard turned toward the crowd with a forced sad smile.
Uncle Richard: Forgive my nephew, he has been under vast stress.
An older cousin stood up from the middle seating row.
Cousin Mark: Richard, maybe we should check the casket seal.
Uncle Richard: Absolutely not, that would be disrespectful to her memory!
Cousin Mark: The boy seems extremely certain about what he heard.
Uncle Richard: I signed all the legal paperwork with the director!
Richard stood tall and folded his arms over his chest.
His voice was trembling slightly despite his harsh dominant tone.
Leo crawled back toward the lower base of the coffin.
He put his hands flat against the dark wood bottom.
He felt a strong rhythm vibrating through the wooden panel.
Leo: She is knocking from the bottom, look here!
Richard moved fast to block the crowd's clear view.
He grabbed Leo's shoulder and pulled him back firmly.
Uncle Richard: Stop touching the casket this minute, young man!
Leo: You are hiding something bad from all of us!
Uncle Richard: I am trying to give my sister a dignity!
The room felt colder as the tension grew higher inside.
Relatives began standing up from their cushioned velvet chairs.
The funeral director stepped into the room from behind curtains.
Director: Is there a problem with the viewing arrangements here?
Uncle Richard: Everything is fine, just clear the room now.
Leo: Do not let him lock that box forever!
Leo broke free from Richard's grip with a fast twist.
He grabbed the brass latch with both of his hands.